#StopPoliceBrutality: See How To Avoid Police Harassment At Road Blocks

Due to the high rate of extra-judicial killings by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the police through its Twitter handle have made available tips on how to avoid unfortunate clashes with the police.

There has been numerous incidence of drivers and passengers clashing with police officers in time past, which might lead to fatality.

The Nigeria police have consistently made the news with the constant occurrence of police molestation, exploitation, and extortion of citizens.

Station Magazineunderstands that this trend was heightened with the killing of Kolade Johnson, in Mangoro, an area close to the international airport. Ikeja, on Sunday at approximately 4:30 p.m, raised anger on social media.

Nigeria social mediaspace have been agog with hashtags like #ReformPolice #StopPoliceBrutality #EndSARS etc. to ensure that the illegal actions of the police are napped in the bud.

The These twitter Thread, the Nigerian police outlined things you need to do to ensure a smoothe interaction with the police at a roadblock.

* Be friendly and cheerful. Commend the officers especially when you see them working under very unfriendly weather conditions such as the rains, the harsh harmattan conditions, excessive heat, cold or sunshine.

Oftentimes, you hear people say things like ‘shoot me, if you can!” Note that this is a recipe for disaster! It is very provocative and an unnecessary call for war. So, please play safe, more so, as you do not know the state of mind of the officer concerned.

* Also, don’t go into a physical fight with an armed security officer. He may resort to the use of his weapon (rightly or wrongly) to defend himself.* Avoid unnecessary argument with armed security personnel.

There are a thousand and one ways to seek redress where you feel your rights have been infringed upon.* Never try to touch an officer in an unfriendly manner. He may suspect you of trying to disarm him

* If you are a regular traveler or road user, make sure you have the police emergency phone numbers of the route you operate. You never can tell when an emergency situation could arise and you need the Police to come to your aid.

* Give the impression that you are unhappy to see an officer on his beat or that he is wasting your time. But if you do have an emergency, politely inform the officer. Don’t speed off while still being checked.

* Take note of the name tags, Force or Service numbers, personal description, description of weapons or patrol vehicle of the security officer especially where the officers begin to conduct themselves in unprofessional manner.

* Seek audience with the most senior police officer at the check point if things are not working out smoothly.* Politely insist to be taken to the police station if your complaint is not properly addressed.

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Joshua Oyenigbehin is an introvert who is passionate about Storytelling, writing, and teaching. He sees his imagination as an unsearchable world, more magical than a fairyland. He has written a novel and working on another